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Two repatriation flights for US citizens departed on Thursday, and a third is expected to depart on Friday.
Together, these flights, all destined for Washington DC, will take more than 900 Americans from South Africa to the United States, “US Embassy spokesman Robert Mearkle said in a statement.
The first flight departed at 2:35 p.m. from Cape Town International Airport after leaving King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday morning.
The second departed at 4:16 p.m. from OR Tambo International Airport, and the third is expected to depart Cape Town on Friday.
The United States has repatriated more than 52,000 citizens from more than 98 countries. (Embassy of the United States SA)
The US Ambassador to South Africa, Lana Marks, praised the departments of international relations and cooperation and transport, as well as the South African airport company for their “excellent collaboration” in facilitating the departure of US citizens.
“The State Department has no higher priority than the safety of American citizens abroad. We are up to the historic challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and as of today, the department has repatriated more than 52 000 citizens onwards. 519 flights from more than 98 countries, “said Marks.
Last week, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said that the repatriation of foreign nationals from South Africa was allowed, provided the rented planes were manned only by a crew that would not be allowed to disembark.
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor said the government would allow stranded citizens abroad to return to South Africa.
All passengers were screened for symptoms of coronavirus before departure. (Photo: Embassy of the United States SA)
The United States embassy said all passengers were examined for coronavirus symptoms by South African health officials before boarding on Thursday.
“All US airport, airline and mission personnel followed all recommended protocols for personal protection and estrangement during the repatriation operation. Once in the United States, all passengers must submit quarantined for 14 days, “he added.
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